Logging into Windows XP using RFID

Flip the keyboard over so the keys are on the desk and you’re staring at the screws in the back. Take them all out, being careful not to press down too hard while removing them. You need to keep the keyboard together after the screws are out, and pressing down will push the keys into the desktop, separating the keyboard housing. Once the screws have all been removed, carefully flip the keyboard back over so it’s resting on its little rubber feet again.

Carefully lift the top cover off the keyboard, leaving the keys resting on the bottom half of the keyboard casing as shown in Figure 2. As you lift the top cover off, there is a keyboard controller circuit board situated just under the space bar that will lift up with the top cover. Notice how the keyboard membrane that stays with the bottom half is pressed up against the keyboard controller, making contact through carbon leads. Be sure to keep in mind how these parts fit together because you’ll need to put this back together eventually. Also be aware that the keyboard’s USB cable will come up with the top cover as you lift. Once you’ve separated the top cover, carefully set the bottom half aside. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard controller and remove the cable, setting it aside as well.

Figure 2

Now you should have the plastic top cover sitting in front of you, face down so you’re looking at the inside of it. The RFID reader and USB hub will be situated in the wrist rest portion of the keyboard, so you’ll need to make room for these additional components by cutting off and trimming down some plastic support stanchions. Start by removing the two cable guide support posts to the left of the keyboard controller as shown in Figure 3. Cut these off using your favorite cutting tool, making sure nothing but smooth plastic remains.

Figure 3

The other plastic piece you’ll need to trim is an actual screw mount and support, just to the right of the keyboard controller. Figure 4 shows the mount post you need to trim. You might want to remove the keyboard controller and set it aside before cutting this post off. The screw mount post itself and the bridging support both need to be completely removed and smoothed down as shown in Figure 5. Be sure not to cut or damage the other nearby support stanchion. Continued…

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Copyright 1996-2016 Ziff Davis, LLC.PCMag Digital Group All Rights Reserved. ExtremeTech is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis, LLC. is prohibited.